Tuesday, June 22, 2010

SPECtacular Warby Parker

A few weeks ago my eyes were acting up and I was relegated to wearing my glasses for several days.
I *HATE* my glasses.
The last time I wore them for an extended period of time was also involuntary:
During the writing of my senior thesis.
I repeat, I *HATE* my glasses.
Needless to say, there are numerous bad associations with my specs.

However, since my prescription has changed (it's IMPROVED, if you can believe it) since my college days, I need a new pair; digging them out of the archives whenever I have an ocular emergency simply won't suffice anymore.

While in theory few things are more dashing than Prada or Chanel, I know that glasses sold under those names are licensed, and have no more to do with the couture design ateliers than the cheapy glasses on the back shelves.
So I searched for inexpensive yet fashionable alternatives.
Et voila: Warby Parker.

Warby Parker is the brainchild of 4 Wharton grads.
Since the company is exclusively e-commerce, they cut out the costs of a brick & mortar joint.
No middle man. Just them and the customer.
Thus, every chic pair is an unbelievable $95.
You heard me.
Better still?
Like TOMS shoes, for every pair of Warby Parkers you buy, the company donates a pair of glasses to someone in need.
(The Bunny says this is a marketing gimmick. But 1) I appreciate persuasive marketing, and 2) if I have to spend money I might as well be socially conscious while doing it, non?)

The really fun part about purchasing from the site is the interactive website, which allows you to upload photos of yourself and virtually "try-on" the glasses.
I've narrowed my options down to three pairs, having virtually tried them on 3 different photos of myself: left angle, right angle, and hair pulled back:

The Elbridge


The Japhy
(More height in the lens.)


The Zagg
(Frame is more square and bigger all-around. A nod to hipster nerd specs.)


WHAT DO YOU THINK?!
Cast your vote in the comments and help me decide which ones to order!
My four-eyes only have eyes for Y-O-U, Readers.
Cxx.

5 comments:

Meghan said...

My vote is for the Elbridge- trendy yet sophisticated!

Usha said...

My vote goes to the Elbridge on you, with Zagg a close second.

I HATE my glasses too and NEVER leave the house without my contact lens on - my power is soooo soooo high that the lens make my eyes look much tinier than they really are - Good luck on the search!

Usha said...

Ooops second place goes to Japhy - have I so totally confused you now?

K M Miller said...

I also never leave the house without putting in my contacts, and due to getting a splinter in my eye have been banned from my contacts for TWO WEEKS! Eeeeeeeek. I'm on the market for new glasses so thanks for the tip.

I like the Elbridge best!

Also, Hi!

rae.ozanne said...

I also vote for the Elbridge. I cannot see a difference between the other two.

Glasses ARE expensive. I actually like the the pair I wear most of the time now, but it was at least $200. (Some ridiculous German designer brand!)